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Critics have charged British American Tobacco with “total contradiction” for lobbying against anti-smoking regulations in Africa that are already in place in the UK.

Zambian lobbying efforts

Documents seen by journalists sent from the firm's affiliate in Zambia to the country’s government ministers asks for proposals to prohibit tobacco advertising and sponsorship to be canceled or deferred.

The company is attempting changes to a pending law that include reductions in the recommended coverage of visual health alerts on cigarette packaging, the elimination of limitations on flavoured tobacco products, and diminished punishments for any firms breaking the new laws.

Activist commentary

“Were I in government, I would say that they permit the protection of the British people and sustain the fatalities of the Zambian people,” said Master Chimbala.

Over seven thousand citizens a year pass away from cigarette-linked health conditions, according to World Health Organization estimates.

The advocate mentioned the letter was known to have been circulated to several government departments and was in distribution within civil society groups.

Worldwide lobbying patterns

This occurs during wider concerns about industry interference with medical guidelines. Last month, WHO officials raised concerns that the smoking product companies was escalating campaigns to dilute worldwide restrictions.

“There is proof of business advocacy globally. Tobacco company fingerprints are on delayed tax increases in Indonesia, stalled legislation in Zambia and even a diluted statement at the UN summit conference,” commented the tobacco industry watchdog.

Likely impacts

“If a tobacco control measure fails to be approved because of this letter, the consequences may be suffered in human lives who might otherwise quit smoking.”

The tobacco control bill being considered by Zambia’s parliament includes regulations surpassing UK legislation by also applying to e-cigarettes, and mandating that graphic health warnings cover three-quarters of product packaging.

Business countermeasures

In the letter, the company recommends this be reduced to less than half “according to global recommended threshold”, delayed for at least 12 months after the legislation is approved.

International experts specifically advises a warning should cover at least fifty percent of the front of a pack “and attempt to encompass as much of the principal display areas as possible”. Across the United Kingdom, warnings are required to occupy 65% of a product container sides.

Flavored tobacco discussion

The company seeks the elimination of comprehensive limitations on scented smoking items, claiming that it would drive users to “illegally traded” products. The company proposes banning a limited selection of “scents derived from desserts, candy, energy drinks, soft drinks and alcohol drinks”. All flavoured cigarettes have been banned in the UK since 2020.

The pending regulation recommends punishments for different infractions “extending from a percentage of annual turnover to ten-year jail sentences”.

Corporate defense

Through correspondence, the managing director of British American Tobacco Zambia states the corporation is focused on good corporate behaviour” and “backs the goals of governments to lower tobacco use and the connected wellbeing effects” but maintains that “specific rules can have unwelcome and unexpected consequences.”

Campaigner rebuttal

The advocate stated the corporation's recommended amendments would “weaken this legislation so much that the necessary effect for it to create lasting transformation in society will not be achieved”.

The circumstance that numerous similar measures were present in the UK, where the corporation is based, was “total double standard”, he commented.

“We exist in a global village. If I plant tobacco in my garden and gather the crop and distribute the goods – and my children do not consume tobacco, but my community's youth consumes … to enrich myself and all the generations of my children while my neighbor's family are dying … is in itself total emotional collapse.”

Anti-smoking regulations in the Britain or other nations had failed to shutter businesses, Chimbala said. “Legislation never shuts down the industry. Measures simply defend the people.”

Formal company response

The corporate communicator stated: “BAT Zambia conducts its activities following with current country statutes. Additionally, the firm contributes in the state's regulatory development in line with the suitable systems which enable stakeholder participation in legislation creation.”

The company was “not resisting legislation”, the spokesperson stated, noting that minors should be shielded from obtaining cigarettes and nicotine.

“We support developing rules to accomplish desired population health targets, while recognizing the range of entitlements and duties on corporations, customers and associated groups,” the representative explained, adding that BAT’s proposals “reflect the realities of the local commercial environment and tobacco industry, which involves growing volumes of black market activity”.

Zambia’s department of trade, commerce and industry was solicited for statement.